Iran Denies Missile Attack on US-UK Base in Diego Garcia Amidst Rising Tensions
Diego Garcia, Chagos Islands – Iran has denied targeting a joint US-UK military base on the remote island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, according to a senior Iranian official cited by Al Jazeera. The alleged attack, reportedly involving two ballistic missiles fired early Friday local time, has further escalated tensions in the region.
The base, located approximately 2,360 miles from Iran, serves as a crucial strategic point for both the United States and the United Kingdom. Washington has described the installation as “an all but indispensable platform” for operations spanning the Middle East, South Asia, and East Africa. Around 2,500 personnel, primarily American, are stationed there.
While Iranian officials deny responsibility, reports indicate neither missile struck the base. The incident prompted condemnation from British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, who labelled the action as “reckless Iranian threats.”
The UK government confirmed it has allowed the US to utilize its bases for strikes against Iran, but Prime Minister Keir Starmer has so far declined a request from US President Donald Trump to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz. Trump publicly criticized Starmer’s decision, stating Britain “should have acted a lot faster,” a comment met with a rebuke from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who accused Starmer of “putting British lives in danger.”
This alleged attack follows reports of retaliatory strikes by Iran against multiple US bases in the Middle East and damage to the UK’s Akrotiri air base in Cyprus. The situation underscores a significant escalation in regional hostilities and raises concerns about potential further conflict.
